Blood Over Bright Haven

Blood Over Bright Haven

A Novel

About the Book

The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen.

The stunning first edition hardcover will feature red stained edges, gold and red foil on the jacket, a full-color endpaper map, and an interior illustration of an in-world magical item

“Powerful, thought-provoking. . . . Fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel will find much to admire here, from the intricate magic system to the unflinching exploration of societal issues.”—Booklist

For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry.

When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and, instead of a qualified lab assistant, they give her a janitor.

What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago, he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the privileged in power.

At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first.
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Praise for Blood Over Bright Haven

“M. L. Wang continues to deliver the goods. Blood Over Bright Haven is a storytelling masterclass. Deep themes run through this energetic tale of dark academia, and feats of imagination abound.”—Mark Lawrence, author of The Book That Wouldn’t Burn

“A fantastic page-turner—clever, emotional, and thematically rich. . . highly recommended! I was completely engaged the whole way through.”—James Islington, author of The Will of the Many

“Blood Over Bright Haven is, well, bloody brilliant (pun intended). I wish I could craft a character half as well as M. L. Wang, or that I could set a scene with half so rich an atmosphere. Blood Over Bright Haven is the kind of book that knocks you down, kicks you repeatedly, and then makes you thank it for doing so. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—John Bierce, author of the Mage Errant series

“With one of the most intricate and fascinating magic systems I have ever read, Blood Over Bright Haven masterfully draws you into the brutal web of power, corruption, and complicity at the heart of its society. This book is a merciless reckoning that leaves you reeling long after the last page is turned.”—Sara Hashem, author of The Jasad Heir

“Breathtaking in its scope, audacity, and the depth of its storytelling . . . the kind of story that changes your heart and mind forever.”—Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade
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About the Author

M. L. Wang
M. L. Wang is an author, martial artist, and weird recluse currently hiding somewhere in Wisconsin with her maroon-bellied parakeet, Sulu. She enjoys gruesome nature documentaries and long walks in circles around her room. Her other books include The Sword of Kaigen and the YA fantasy series The Volta Academy Chronicles. More by M. L. Wang
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Random House Publishing Group